Imagine tender, succulent meat that falls apart with the gentlest touch of a fork, packed with rich, deep flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This Instant Pot Boston Butt recipe is your ultimate shortcut to restaurant-quality pulled pork without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're hosting a weekend barbecue or craving a comforting family meal, this foolproof recipe will transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Boston butt roast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the Boston butt roast into large chunks if necessary to fit into your Instant Pot. This will help with even cooking and make it easier to shred later.
- Season the chunks of Boston butt roast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat all sides for maximum flavor.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or so until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned Boston butt chunks to the pot. Sear the meat on all sides until it is browned, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds great flavor.
- After browning the meat, remove the chunks from the Instant Pot and set them aside on a plate. You may need to do this in batches if your pot is small.
- With the meat removed, pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This will prevent a burn notice and enhance the flavor.
- Return the browned Boston butt chunks back into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth as much as possible.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- When the pressure has fully released, open the lid and check the tenderness of the Boston butt. It should be fork-tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Remove the meat from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. You can return the shredded meat to the pot to mix it with the remaining juices for added flavor.
- Serve the shredded Boston butt warm, with your choice of sides or on sandwiches. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Boston butt!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Look for a well-marbled Boston butt roast, as the fat will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during pressure cooking.
- Don't Skip the Searing: Take the extra few minutes to brown the meat before pressure cooking. This step develops a rich, caramelized exterior that adds incredible depth to the final dish.
- Seasoning is Key: Be generous with your spices and ensure even coverage. The garlic and onion powder will infuse the meat with amazing flavor.
- Natural Release Matters: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. This helps the meat continue to tenderize and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Moisture is Your Friend: Always use broth or liquid in your Instant Pot to create steam and prevent burning. The chicken broth in this recipe adds extra flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull the meat apart, working against the grain for the most tender results.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. The shredded meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 553kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 41g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
